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I noticed there can sometimes be strong tensity in attacks off-the-mat. A lot of it depends on the experience of the person attacking but applying technique to that tensity can be a real eye-opener. Deflecting the attack wasn't that much of a problem but I found myself buying time quite a bit - probably due more to my lack of experience than the art itself. Had a strong desire to break out of Aikido a few times.
Controlling that line of attack is so important!

I was amazed by the application of techniques against grabs. Tensity can be your friend when grabbed with intent. With seemingly little effort Nage can gain control fairly easily.
Be aware of uke's resistance and don't push it too far.

Overall I am enjoying these off-the-mat practices, bruises included. I feel it's very important to experience the different dynamics when you don't know what (non-traditional) attacks are coming.
I'm looking forward to more...

Frank!
There is a different feeling in the "I'm gonna get you" kind of tension that is behind a solid strike or push and the "I'm not going to let you do that to me" kind of tension that occurs when it becomes apparent that you are trying to do a technique. This is a good thing to study when working with non-aikido people, because they will be quite different in this regard.